It was the goal that set up the greatest achievement in New Zealand soccer history. Not to forget . . .

PASTON AND THAT SAVEHis penalty save against Bahrain got the All Whites to South Africa; now he put behind him a shaky performance against Slovakia with a string of high-class saves against Italy.

The best, which is bound to show up at the end of the tournament in a list of the finest saves of the tournament, came in the 69th minute.

Midfielder Riccardo Montolivo pressed forward and let fly from 25m with a scorching drive, which seemed destined for the right-hand corner.

Paston leaped salmon-like, stuck out a big right mitt and deflected the ball past the upright. It was the moment New Zealand fans started to believe the impossible.

WOOD SLAYS CANNAVAROItalian fans, convinced of their team's worth on the highest stage and enaourmered of their captain, were stunned to seea19-year-old substitute striker from New Zealand turn Fabio Cannavaro inside-out and blaze a shot at goal that could have brought ultimate glory for the All Whites.

Chris Wood narrowly missed the net, sparing the Azzuris' blushes for the moment and preserving the 1-1 scoreline that was to ultimately prove fatal to the reigning champions' campaign.

The West Bromwich striker was introduced in the 62nd minute for Rory Fallon, bringing fresh legs to hurry back in defence. But his dazzling turn near the opposition box, marked the end of an era Italy.

NELSEN BECOMES THE SAVIOURIf that Paston save was the spark to inspire the All Whites, it was the outstretched leg of captain Ryan Nelsen three minutes later that persuaded the underdogs this was indeed their night.

Under the pump from relentless blue waves of Italian attackers, the All Whites were hanging on. A ball was crossed in hard and flat from the left. Nelsen leaped and swung his right foot horizontally to sweep the ball away from 3m out and right in front of the New Zealand goal, with Italian attackers circling.

If ever a moment shouted "this is our day", that was it. The All Whites drew on self-belief for the remaining 18 minutes.